CT AORTIC ANGIOGRAM
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
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About The Test
A CT AORTIC ANGIOGRAM is a quick, non-invasive scan that maps the aorta from chest to abdomen in sub-millimetre detail. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we use 128-slice dual-source CT scanners that complete the exam in <10 seconds, delivering 70 % less radiation than older machines. Whether your doctor wants to rule out an aortic aneurysm or plan a stent, our same-day reporting keeps your treatment moving.
What is CT Angiography (CTA)?
CT angiography combines X-rays and iodine-based contrast dye to create 3-D pictures of blood vessels. When the scan focuses on the body’s largest artery, it is called a CT AORTIC ANGIOGRAM. The test shows:
- Aortic diameter (normal <3 cm)
- Wall tears (aortic dissection)
- Blood clots, plaques and post-surgical leaks
No catheter is inserted into the heart, so discomfort and risk are minimal.
When and Who Needs to Take a CT Angiography (CTA)?
Your cardiologist or vascular surgeon may advise the exam if you have:
- Sudden chest/back pain (possible aortic dissection)
- Pulsating abdominal mass (possible aortic aneurysm)
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Family history of aortic disease
- Pre-operative planning for bypass or stent
List of Parameters
- Aortic diameter at root, arch, descending and infra-renal segments
- True vs false lumen in dissection
- Contrast enhancement uniformity
- Stent graft apposition and endoleak grade
- Access vessel tortuosity for TEVAR planning
Why This Test
- Rule out life-threatening aortic dissection within 20 minutes.
- Size an aortic aneurysm before it reaches 5 cm surgical threshold.
- Follow up after stent graft to detect endoleak early.
- Evaluate congenital anomalies like coarctation.
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
✓ Painless – only an IV line.
✓ Speed – breath-hold of <10 s; total visit 30 min.
✓ Accuracy – 96 % sensitivity for dissection.
✓ One-stop – calcium scoring included if indicated.
✓ Digital copy – share with any specialist instantly.
Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Aortic Angiogram
- Aortic aneurysm
- Aortic dissection
- Intramural haematoma
- Penetrating aortic ulcer
- Coarctation of aorta
- Takayasu arteritis
- Post-traumatic aortic injury
Preparing for test
- 4 hrs fasting – clear fluids allowed.
- Remove metal – zips, belts, piercings.
- Wear cotton gown – provided on site.
- Bring previous CDs – comparison lowers repeat scans.
Pre-requisites
- Latest creatinine & eGFR report (<3 months old).
- List of current medicines – metformin to be paused 48 hrs if eGFR 30-60.
- Pregnancy status – LMP and beta-hCG if applicable.
Best Time to Take the CT Angiography (CTA)
- Elective cases: 7 am–11 am (lowest heart rate improves image quality).
- Emergency: 24x7 availability with on-call radiologist.
Eligibility
Adults >18 yrs with stable vitals.
eGFR >45 (30-45 at doctor’s discretion).
No prior severe contrast reaction.
Pregnancy, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, acute renal failure.
Procedure for Taking a CT Angiography (CTA)
- Check-in – 15 min early; consent form.
- IV line – 18 G cannula in right antecubital vein.
- Positioning – supine, arms above head.
- Scout scan – topogram to plan range.
- Contrast injection – 80–100 ml at 5 ml/s; automatic dual-phase bolus tracking.
- Image acquisition – arterial phase at 20 s, venous at 70 s if needed.
- Post-care – 500 ml oral hydration; observe 15 min for rash.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Metformin – stop 48 hrs and restart after 48 hrs post-exam if renal function stable.
- Beta-blockers – continue unless HR needs lowering.
- Allergy – inform staff of shellfish or iodine rash; we give steroid cover.
- Breast-feeding – pump and discard milk for 24 hrs.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
---|---|---|
Normal aorta | Aortic diameter ≤ 3 cm; no wall tears or clots detected | Indicates healthy aortic anatomy and no evident disease |
Aortic aneurysm | Dilated aorta measuring 3–4.9 cm, no rupture signs | Requires surveillance and medical management |
Large aneurysm or rapid growth | Aorta diameter ≥ 5 cm or growth > 0.5 cm/year | Surgical intervention recommended to prevent rupture |
Aortic dissection (Stanford A) | Tear involving ascending aorta | Emergency surgical treatment necessary |
Aortic dissection (Stanford B) | Tear confined to descending aorta | Usually managed medically unless complications arise |
Risks & Limitations
- Contrast allergy – 1 in 1000; we pre-medicate sensitive patients.
- Kidney stress – transient rise in creatinine; hydration protocol lowers risk.
- Radiation – equal to 6 months of natural background; our iterative reconstruction cuts dose by 40 %.
- Claustrophobia – scanner is open; scan is over in one breath-hold.
Pregnant women and people with eGFR <30 ml/min are usually ineligible.
Types of CT Angiography (CTA)
- CT AORTIC ANGIOGRAM – chest, abdomen or both.
- Coronary CTA – heart arteries.
- Pulmonary CTA – lung arteries for PE.
- Run-off CTA – legs for peripheral artery disease.
FAQs
Does a CT AORTIC ANGIOGRAM hurt?
No. You feel a brief warm flush when contrast goes in.
How long does the whole visit take?
30 minutes—15 min preparation, 5 min scan, 10 min observation.
Can I drive home afterwards?
Yes, unless you took sedation for claustrophobia (rare).
Is the radiation dose safe?
We use dose-reduction software; risk is negligible compared with missing a dissection.
What if my creatinine is borderline?
Our nephrologist reviews the case; hydration protocol or alternative MRI may be offered.